What Strong Recall Success Says About Your Practice

In dentistry, recall appointments are more than just a calendar item — they’re a clear reflection of your patient relationships, communication strength, and overall practice health.

A high recall rate doesn’t just mean people are showing up. It means they trust you, value your care, and are bought into their long-term oral health.

But what does success actually look like — and how can practices achieve it consistently?

Why recalls matter more than ever

In 2025, patient expectations are rising — and so are the challenges practices face, from staffing shortages to operational pressures. That makes recall effectiveness even more important.

Here’s what strong recall performance signals: 

• Patients are educated and understand the value of ongoing care
• Communication is timely, consistent, and convenient
• The practice has systems in place to prevent patients from falling through the cracks
• Teams are aligned around retention not just acquisition

If your patients aren’t coming back, it’s not just a scheduling issue — it’s a relationship issue.

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Tips for improving recall success

Want to strengthen your recall performance? Start here:

1. Automate reminders via text and email,  and follow up at different times if needed.
2. Personalize outreach based on the procedure or patient history.
3. Make it easy to rebook right after an appointment — don’t let them leave without a future date on the calendar.
4. Track and review your recall success monthly to spot trends and gaps.
5. Educate patients about why returning matters — not just for cleanings, but for overall health.

Remember, recalls are a measure of trust. When patients keep coming back, it’s because they feel cared for — and that feeling drives everything from positive reviews to referrals and long-term retention.

As we saw in the benchmark data, specialty practices tend to have higher recall success, thanks to the structured nature of their care. But any practice, of any size, can improve recall rates with the right tools and approach. Learn how your numbers compare and get practical strategies in the full 2025 Dental Patient Engagement Report. Plus, we offer a number of resources to support your practice, including our podcast, The Patient Experience Blueprint.

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